Featured Member: Allison Higgins

Let’s get the basics out of the way. Who are you? Where are you from?I am Allison Higgins of upstate New York.  I am the Founder and CEO of Success Bookcase, www.successbookcase.com .

When and why was your business started?  I started my business in April 2011 to share my passion for personal and business growth with others and to build something of my own to grow in to the future.

What is your mission statement? Show others that life is full of endless possibilities and our dreams are truly within our reach. Teach others the steps necessary to define, believe in and achieve success.  Mentor those who are ready to act.

What do you love about being a female entrepreneur? The  opportunity to build something big and make a real difference in the world. I also love the idea of controlling my own financial destiny and showing other women that they can do the same. And I LOVE all the amazing female entrepreneurs that I get to meet, connect with and build businesses with.

How did you launch your business and/or dream?  I built my website back in April of 2011 and launched in June.

How do you stay inspired? Being able to witness the transformation of women in both their life and business.  Also it is incredible to  know through my obedience to my calling marvelous things are happening

What are the biggest challenges you have overcome as a female entrepreneur? Finding my God given voice.

What is your BIG DREAM for your business – what do you hope will happen? By connecting with other inspired women entrepreneurs and reminding myself every day that God has a very important mission for me.

How do you incorporate your faith into your business? Lots of talking to God all throughout the day for sure! I need him to keep me focused and remind me of what his mission is for me.

What are you favorite biblical parallels and verses that encourage you? Why? Here are 8 verses that I currently love … try to read them every morning …

II Timothy 1:7 (NIV) – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

I Corinthians 9:24 (NIV) – “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”

Mark 5:36 (NIV) – “Overhearing what they said, Jesus told them, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.””

Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Hebrews 12:11 (NIV) – “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

“As I think in my heart, so am I.” Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV)

“Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding;” Proverbs 3:13 (NIV)

“But these things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day.” Habakkuk 2:3 (TLB)

What one woman epitomizes (for you) a picture of Christian Entrepreneurial Leadership? Diane Cunningham

How do you promote/market your business?  Relationship building through social media (primarily Facebook and Twitter) and utilizing Google Adwords.

What is the biggest risk that you have taken in your business? Has it paid off?  I am investing quite a bit in building my new brand, YourBigSuccess. I am going to launch in Sept so I will let you know how it pays off. 🙂

What risk do you need to take now? More promotion … put myself out there more.

What tips would you share with a friend setting out on her own entrepreneurial adventure? 1. Be ready for change/be flexible about where your idea takes you. 2. You MUST have a coach and a mastermind group to keep you moving forward. 3. Start failing as fast as you can … don’t hide behind the busy work … the sooner you get out there and get feedback, the sooner you will know which way to go to grow your business.

What resources and books would you recommend—the ones which have best helped you? Several must reads are … “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale and ‘The Success Principles” by Jack Canfield. Also, I highly recommend the current mastermind group that I am working with … The Success Sisters with NACWE.org.

What do you have coming up? Events? Book Signings? My end of Summer Success Jumpstart program is starting next Thursday, August 23rd (www.SuccessBookCase.com/jumpstart). And I will be launching my ‘YourBigSuccess’ achievement mentoring programs in September.

Tell us about your family and your support group? Wonderful husband, Joe, and three amazing kids … Abby (11), Joey (10) and Matt (5). And the newest addition to the family is our black lab, Bella.

Who were/are your mentors? As a member of the Success Sisters, Diane Cunningham is one of my mentors. Also, I am working with Sheri McConnell at the Smart Women’s Institute to learn how to start and build a network launching next year.

What else would you like to share with us? Being a female entrepreneur is one of the most fun, amazing, challenging and rewarding quests a women can embark on. Know that you have some very special gifts that you are being called to share with the world and never give up on your dreams!

[graybox]Allison Higgins is a lover of life and a maximizer of others. She is the Founder and CEO of SuccessBookCase, a community of personal and business growth book lovers, and the Founder and CEO of YourBigSuccess offering achievement mentoring and success coaching programs to those who are ready to make a difference in the world. She is an author, speaker and trainer helping others define, believe in and achieve their big successes in life and business. She welcomes you to connect with her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/AllisonDHiggins. [/graybox]